The Allstate Blog » Road Triphttp://blog.allstate.com
Expert tips and fun facts on protecting your car, home, motorcycle or RV from Allstate Auto InsuranceTue, 03 Mar 2015 17:51:28 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.1.1Find the Right Motorcycle Riding Clubhttp://blog.allstate.com/find-the-right-motorcycle-riding-club/
http://blog.allstate.com/find-the-right-motorcycle-riding-club/#commentsMon, 20 Oct 2014 19:44:19 +0000http://blog.allstate.com/?p=9294Riding clubs are a great way for riders to connect—and, of course, hit the road—with other enthusiasts. But even a quick Internet search yields a staggering number of club options, especially in warm weather areas. So, how do you narrow down your choices and find a comfortable group of motorcycle riders? Riding Clubs: What They […]

]]>Riding clubs are a great way for riders to connect—and, of course, hit the road—with other enthusiasts. But even a quick Internet search yields a staggering number of club options, especially in warm weather areas. So, how do you narrow down your choices and find a comfortable group of motorcycle riders?

Riding Clubs: What They Are & What They’re Not

Long story short: a motorcycle riding club isn’t a “motorcycle gang.” Instead, a riding club is simply a group of riders organized around an idea—enthusiasm for a particular brand of bike—and dedicated to hitting the road with other like-minded folks.

Finding the Right Fit

Deciding on a riding club really comes down to narrowing your focus: Are you simply looking for fellow motorcycle riders? Or are you geared up to ride with people who own bikes similar to yours? Ready to hit the road with riders with similar life experiences? Or is your goal to meet a bunch of new and interesting people? Is your idea of “riding” a 30-mile jaunt or an overnight trip? Bottom line: decide what you’re looking for and search from there. And remember—there’s nothing saying you can’t ride with multiple clubs.

“Brand X” enthusiasts: there are probably more clubs devoted to specific bike manufacturers, or even specific models, than any other type of club. They’re great for riders with different experience levels, potentially offering a “master’s class” in the bike you’re interested in.

Vintage bike owners: vintage clubs are especially good for sourcing parts and expertise about bikes that probably haven’t been in production for decades. If you’re fretting about replacing the chain on your 1967 classic, vintage clubs are probably for you.

Military veterans: search for riding clubs in any state and there’s a good chance you’ll find a handful of clubs with membership limited to military veterans. Several of these clubs also work to support veterans-related charities and raise awareness about POW/MIA issues.

Police officer, law enforcement, and public safety officer clubs: exactly what the name says, these clubs are typically open to both active and retired officers. They’re also often some of the largest and most active motorcycle riders’ clubs.

Open-to-all clubs: all you usually need is a motorcycle and the desire to ride.

Specialty clubs: from clubs for female riders only to “clean & sober” clubs celebrating sobriety and recovery, there’s no shortage of special-interest clubs.

Special Events Clubs

Even if you regularly ride with an established club, you’ll find plenty of organizations that sponsor or participate in once-a-year events. Often tied to charitable events or organizations, these rides can be a great way to meet new people—and to find out about new riding clubs. These clubs may not always show up in online searches, so keep an eye on the “community bulletin boards” at your dealer or mechanic’s.

Meet. Greet. Ride.

The most active riding clubs may meet monthly, even when there’s no ride scheduled. One way to check out a club is stopping by and meeting your potential touring partners. You may even be able to join and pay any membership dues at the meeting. Once you find a club, make sure your first road trip is fun—and safe through proper planning.

]]>http://blog.allstate.com/find-the-right-motorcycle-riding-club/feed/0QUIZ: How Well Do You Know the National Parks?http://blog.allstate.com/national-parks-quiz/
http://blog.allstate.com/national-parks-quiz/#commentsThu, 21 Aug 2014 11:02:54 +0000http://blog.allstate.com/?p=8906Our national parks are some of the most beautiful places in the country, and lucky for us, there are 59 of them just waiting to be explored and enjoyed — that’s a lifetime of road trips! From California to Alaska to North Carolina, each park is filled with unique geological features that’ll make your jaw […]

]]>Our national parks are some of the most beautiful places in the country, and lucky for us, there are 59 of them just waiting to be explored and enjoyed — that’s a lifetime of road trips! From California to Alaska to North Carolina, each park is filled with unique geological features that’ll make your jaw drop.

Javascript is disabled

Javascript is disabled on your browser. Please enable it in order to use this form.

...

Loading

Name That National Park

Can you spot the difference between Yosemite and Arches? Test your national park knowledge: Match the park name to its picture, then move on to the next breathtaking pic.

Correct! Glacier Point is part of Yosemite National Park’s high county. This California park spans 1,200 square miles, and here you’ll spot waterfalls, mountains, deep valleys and forests.

Incorrect! Glacier Point is part of Yosemite National Park’s high county. This California park spans 1,200 square miles, and here you’ll spot waterfalls, mountains, deep valleys and forests.

Name That National Park

Can you spot the difference between Yosemite and Arches? Test your national park knowledge: Match the park name to its picture, then move on to the next breathtaking pic.

Yosemite National Park

Glacier National Park

Great Smoky Mountains

Arches National Park

Correct! A trip to Arches National Park in Utah is practically surreal. The park has over 2,000 red rock arches like this one, and a palette of colors that will make you feel like you’re on another planet.

Incorrect! A trip to Arches National Park in Utah is practically surreal. The park has over 2,000 red rock arches like this one, and a palette of colors that will make you feel like you’re on another planet.

Name That National Park

Can you spot the difference between Yosemite and Arches? Test your national park knowledge: Match the park name to its picture, then move on to the next breathtaking pic.

Correct! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park spans the Tennessee and North Carolina border. This park is one of the most visited, and besides it’s breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, there are about 17,000 species of plants and animals that reside in the park’s expanse.

Incorrect! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park spans the Tennessee and North Carolina border. This park is one of the most visited, and besides it’s breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, there are about 17,000 species of plants and animals that reside in the park’s expanse.

Name That National Park

Can you spot the difference between Yosemite and Arches? Test your national park knowledge: Match the park name to its picture, then move on to the next breathtaking pic.

Correct! Montana’s Glacier National Park is known for its lakes (over 130 of them), mountains, meadows, forests and over 700 miles of trails. The park has glacier in its name because of its, you guessed it, glaciers—150 existed in the mid-19th century and about 25 active glaciers exist there today.

Incorrect! Montana’s Glacier National Park is known for its lakes (over 130 of them), mountains, meadows, forests and over 700 miles of trails. The park has glacier in its name because of its, you guessed it, glaciers—150 existed in the mid-19th century and about 25 active glaciers exist there today.

Auto Insurance Basics & More

]]>http://blog.allstate.com/national-parks-quiz/feed/05 Great Places for Chicago’s RV Lovers [SLIDESHOW]http://blog.allstate.com/5-great-places-chicagos-rv-lovers-slideshow/
http://blog.allstate.com/5-great-places-chicagos-rv-lovers-slideshow/#commentsThu, 31 Jul 2014 10:28:34 +0000http://blog.allstate.com/?post_type=local&p=8639Summer is the season for road trips, and there’s no better way to see the Midwest than packing up the RV and hitting the road. We’ve tracked down some of the best places to park your camper and explore nature. So put these five stops on your RV to-do list and start driving.

]]>Summer is the season for road trips, and there’s no better way to see the Midwest than packing up the RV and hitting the road. We’ve tracked down some of the best places to park your camper and explore nature. So put these five stops on your RV to-do list and start driving.

Head north from Chicago and you’ll find Wisconsin’s Kohler-Andrae State Park, where you can pull your RV into one of the 52 sites equipped with an electrical hookup, campfire ring and picnic table. Restrooms, showers and laundry facilities are also on the premises. Spend the day on the sandy dune beaches of Lake Michigan, or hike the in-park trails.

Located southwest of Chicago, this park features 425 million-year-old rock formations and plenty of nature trails to keep you busy. Other attractions include 18 canyons formed by glacial meltwater and stream erosion as well as the roaring Illinois River. Starved Rock’s campground has 129 Class A Premium campsites equipped with electricity, grill pits and nearby toilets and showers.

Follow Lake Michigan south and you’ll hit Indiana Dunes State Park. This park’s backdrop is 2,000 acres of beautiful beach and sand dunes. It’s a quick RV drive, but you can spend days exploring the park. The campsites come equipped with electricity (all 50-amp service).

To get in a good drive, head to southern Illinois, between the Mississippi and Ohio rivers, for a weekend in Shawnee National Forest. Here, you can pull your RV into an electrical site with showers nearby. Once parked, you can hike the rolling and rocky hills, canoe the park lakes and end the evening with a campfire and a nice night tucked in bed in your home on four wheels.

In northeast Illinois, you can find over six miles of Lake Michigan shoreline at Illinois Beach State Park. Here you can camp, swim, hike (over 5 miles of trails) and bike. The park is known for its beach. A campground in the southern unit provides 241 Class A Premium sites with electricity and access to showers and sanitary facilities.

]]>http://blog.allstate.com/5-great-places-chicagos-rv-lovers-slideshow/feed/0Are We Green Yet? Smart Tips for an Eco-Friendlier Road Triphttp://blog.allstate.com/eco-friendly-road-trip/
http://blog.allstate.com/eco-friendly-road-trip/#commentsMon, 30 Jun 2014 11:00:38 +0000http://blog.allstate.com/?p=8350 According to the U.S. Travel Association, in previous years, nearly 8 in 10 Americans have chosen to travel by car. As you hit the open road this summer, here are some easy ways to steer that road trip in a greener direction. Take that pedal off the metal. By following the speed limit, you can enjoy […]

According to the U.S. Travel Association, in previous years, nearly 8 in 10 Americans have chosen to travel by car. As you hit the open road this summer, here are some easy ways to steer that road trip in a greener direction.

Take that pedal off the metal. By following the speed limit, you can enjoy better gas mileage. According to Greenercars.org, by driving 65 instead of 75 (where the speed limit allows), you’ll increase fuel economy by about 10 percent, which means fewer refills. Plus, driving the limit will also reduce tailpipe emission in a lot of vehicles, greenercars.org says. As an added bonus, you’ll also avoid tickets.

Don’t keep too much junk in the trunk. Eliminating weight can really make a difference, as Greenercars.org says every extra 100 pounds reduces fuel economy by about one percent. So clean out that trunk and only bring the things you really need, like the kids and noise-cancelling earphones.

Cut down on time-sucking pit stops. Pack lots of snacks and a meal for longer trips. You’ll save time and gas by not having to pull off to look for food. Refillable water bottles, reusable containers and cloth napkins will also cut down on waste. If your kids miss the fast food toys, it’ll be a great chance to regale them with stories about how hard your childhood was, and how you never had toys in your meals.

Sport some shades. To keep the car cool and reduce evaporation of fuel, always park in a shady spot. A windshield shade also cools the car down, and it doubles as a handy screen when people need to change their clothes after spills and other backseat catastrophes.

With these easy adjustments, you can save money, time — and help the planet — while you’re wandering the world on wheels.

]]>http://blog.allstate.com/eco-friendly-road-trip/feed/09 Weekend Getaways from Chicagohttp://blog.allstate.com/9-weekend-getaways-from-chicago/
http://blog.allstate.com/9-weekend-getaways-from-chicago/#commentsSat, 14 Jun 2014 17:00:59 +0000http://blog.allstate.com/?post_type=local&p=8083There’s nothing like summer in Chicago, but sometimes it’s nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and soak in some new surroundings. Luckily, the Midwest has plenty to offer—whether it’s history, art or the great outdoors. Here are nine weekend getaways that you can explore this summer, all within driving […]

]]>There’s nothing like summer in Chicago, but sometimes it’s nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and soak in some new surroundings. Luckily, the Midwest has plenty to offer—whether it’s history, art or the great outdoors. Here are nine weekend getaways that you can explore this summer, all within driving distance from Chicago.

Milwaukee

(distance from Chicago: 92 miles; driving time: 1.5 hours)

Once you spend the weekend in Milwaukee, you’ll be planning your next visit before the trip’s over. There’s so much to do in this lakefront city—from visiting the Milwaukee Art Museum, to biking the Oak Leaf Trail, to hitting up the hip restaurants and bars in the Bay View neighborhood just south of the city (try the Palomino). While you’re in town, there are a few tours you don’t want to miss: Tour the Harley-Davidson Museum (after all, Milwaukee is the home of the Harley), and take a brewery tour of Lakefront, Sprecher, MillerCoors and Pabst breweries, which all call Milwaukee home. These tours can be very enjoyable, especially when you consider the easy-to-use public transportation available in and around the city.

Louisville, Kentucky

(distance from Chicago: 300 miles; approx. driving time: 4.5 hours)

Louisville, known as the northernmost southern city, is a place filled with passion for sports, horses and music. When you spend the weekend getting to know Derby City, don’t miss the East Market District (where you’ll find art galleries, farmers’ markets and antique shops); the Louisville Slugger Museum; and the city’s Waterfront Park.

Ann Arbor, Michigan

(distance from Chicago: 241 miles; approx. driving time: 4 hours)

Art and nature lovers alike should make Ann Arbor a weekend getaway must. Besides being a college town (the University of Michigan pride is undeniable), you’ll be drawn to Ann Arbor for its outdoor scenery—157 city parks, numerous trails and seven golf courses. And there’s plenty to do indoors as well. The University of Michigan Museum of Art is a must-see, and if you’re in town during the city’s street art fair, stop by. Before you head out of town, take the city’s architecture tour, then hit up the local boutiques and unique restaurants.

South Bend, Indiana

(distance from Chicago: 95 miles; approx. driving time: 1.5 hours)

In South Bend, you’ll come for the football and stay for the weekend. Sure, this city is the home of the University of Norte Dame (so be sure to take the campus walking tour), but you’ll also want to stroll the Shiojiri Niwa Japanese Garden in Merrifield Park and dine downtown.

Door County, Wisconsin

(distance from Chicago: 244 miles; approx. driving time: 4 hours)

Door County’s 300 miles of shoreline makes it the perfect weekend retreat to soak up the beautiful Midwest—from its beaches to its wineries to its 11 lighthouses.

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

(distance from Chicago: 83 miles; approx. driving time: 1.5 hours)

Lake Geneva is a quick trip to what feels like the country. Here you’ll find yourself surrounded by 20 miles of Geneva’s lakeshore path. You can hike, peek at the waterfront mansions and even take a cruise on the lake. There’s a cute downtown area with shops, restaurants, plenty of hotels and bed and breakfasts.

Indiana Dunes, Indiana

(distance from Chicago: 51 miles/approx. driving time: 1 hour)

You may feel like you’ve landed on a different planet when you make your way to the Indiana Dunes, with its 15 miles of towering white sandy drifts along Lake Michigan. Here, enjoy 70 miles of hiking, 182 acres of beach and while you’re there, be sure to conquer Mount Tom—a sand dune that towers 192 feet.

New Buffalo, Michigan

(distance from Chicago: 70 miles; approx. driving time: 1 hour)

Looking for a new Michigan beach town to explore? New Buffalo may be just the spot. This quaint beach hugs Lake Michigan and is chock full of B&B’s, breweries, boating, biking and even a casino. While you’re in town, check out the quaint New Buffalo Railroad Museum.

Galena, Illinois

(distance from Chicago: 163 miles/approx. driving time: 3 hours)

Head back to simpler times—take a weekend jaunt to Galena.The city is filled with historic charm—from the old Main Street sprinkled with one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants to the rolling quiet hills overlooking the banks of the Galena River. Leave the bustle of Chicago behind for a relaxing weekend exploring this charming town.

]]>http://blog.allstate.com/9-weekend-getaways-from-chicago/feed/0Road Trip Tip: Choose the RV That’s Right for Youhttp://blog.allstate.com/road-trip-tip-choose-rv-thats-right/
http://blog.allstate.com/road-trip-tip-choose-rv-thats-right/#commentsThu, 12 Jun 2014 15:35:45 +0000http://blog.allstate.com/?p=8204Perhaps no one better understands the Buddha quote, “It is better to travel well than to arrive,” than those who own recreational vehicles. And, according to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association and a 2011 commissioned study by the University of Michigan, more and more travelers are embracing the concept. U.S. ownership of RVs has reached […]

]]>Perhaps no one better understands the Buddha quote, “It is better to travel well than to arrive,” than those who own recreational vehicles. And, according to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association and a 2011 commissioned study by the University of Michigan, more and more travelers are embracing the concept. U.S. ownership of RVs has reached reached record levels — 8.9 million U.S. households own an RV, according to the study.

And these aren’t just the baby boomers, either. In fact, today’s typical owner is 48 years old, and more RVs are now owned by people ages 35 to 54 than any other group. More than 11 percent of U.S. households headed by men and women in that age group own an RV, and this age group is posting impressive gains. What does that mean? Quite simply: there are RVs for every age, every lifestyle and every budget. All you need to do is find the model that best meets your needs.

What’s Available?

If you’re not familiar with the various types of RVs available in the marketplace, GoRVing.com is an excellent place to start. Here’s a brief overview of the main categories:

Folding Camping Trailer

Also known as “pop-up” campers, folding camping trailers are lightweight, easy to tow and maneuver, affordable, uncomplicated and provide a good entry point for camping enthusiasts who are taking their first steps up from camping in tents. These campers range from 8 to 24 feet in length, and a new one will cost from $6,000 to $22,000.

Travel Trailers

Travel trailers are conventional tow-behind trailers, and smaller models can be easily towed behind the family vehicle. Some versions feature pop-out or slide-out sections to maximize living spaces. Just be sure to match the RV’s loaded weight to the tow capacity of your vehicle. These campers range from 19 to 30 feet in length, and a new one will cost from $10,000 to $30,000.

Truck Campers

A truck camper sits in the bed or on the chassis of a pickup truck, and believe it or not, they are available in many sizes, with a variety of floorplans, and sometimes even with slide-outs. This option allows you to access rougher areas into which you could not tow a trailer; plus, as with towable trailers, you can detach the camper and use your vehicle independently. Truck campers range from 8 to 20 feet in length, and a new camper will cost from $6,000 to $55,000.

Fifth-Wheel Travel Trailers

“Fifth-wheels” have essentially the same amenities as a conventional trailer, but their tow vehicle must be a pickup truck with a fifth-wheel hitch on its bed. This design gives them a bi-level floor plan, which is more spacious than that of a conventional tow-behind. According to RV-Dreams.com, fifth-wheels are less susceptible to jack-knifing or fish-tailing than conventional trailers; the drawbacks involve more heavy-duty tow vehicles and greater expense. These campers range from 21 to 40 feet, and a new one will cost from $18,000 to $160,000.

Sport Utility RV

Affectionately known as “toy haulers,” sport utility RVs feature all the live-on-board amenities you need — plus space to carry motorcycles, dirt bikes, ATVs and any other toys you’d like to have along for the trip. These can be towable trailers or motorhomes; in either case, the RV’s rear end drops down to form a ramp, providing access to the storage garage. These campers range from 19 to 39 feet, and a new one will cost from $10,300 to $170,000.

Motorhomes

Motorized RVs, or motorhomes, are RVs with living accommodations built on motorized chassis. In other words, you don’t tow or carry them — you drive them. Type A, or conventional, motorhomes are built entirely on specially designed chassis, range from 21 to 40 feet and cost from $60,000 to more than $500,000. Type Bs are “camper vans”; these range from 16 to 22 feet and cost from $60,000 to $130,000. And Type Cs are built on a van frame, with a wide body attached to the cab. These range from 21 to 35 feet and cost from $43,000 to more than $200,000. One important aspect to remember with a motorhome: this is your transportation as well as your home. Unless you want to move your home every time you need to go to the grocery store, you’ll want to consider towing a small car for tootling around town and sightseeing.

What Are My Lifestyle Considerations?

To determine which RV type will suit you, consider your needs:

What is your overall budget?

If you prefer a towable trailer or a truck camper, do you have a vehicle that can do the job? If not, you’ll be looking at a new vehicle and a new RV.

Do you want to tow any toys, like a boat or a set of ATVs? If so, you can’t use a travel trailer, and a fifth-wheel may not be practical. You’ll want to consider truck campers or motorhomes.

Is this going to be for a couple, or for a family with children? How many people, realistically, will be using the RV on a regular basis? And how many pets? Your love for your RV may wane after too many nights of feeling piled on top of each other; conversely, you don’t want more space than you need if the teenagers don’t want to spend every weekend with their parents.

How will you use the RV? If you’re planning for extended live-aboard trips, you’ll want more space, more storage and more amenities. If you’re going to use the RV for day trips, weekends and camping vacations, you can go smaller and more specialized.

Is your RV intended for summer or year-round use? For example, if most of your camping will be done at high altitude, or if you plan to use the camper during the shoulder seasons or even the winter, eliminate folding camping trailers and even travel trailers with pop-outs. They’ll be too cold. You’ll want a fully hard-sided RV with a reliable heater.

Where will you be doing most of your camping? If you like campgrounds, think about the size of RV your favorite spots can accommodate. If you prefer the backcountry, a truck camper will give you access to the hard-to-reach places; in addition, many travel trailers are available with off-road packages that offer features such as a raised axle and larger, all-terrain tires.

The RV Buyers Guide has a helpful worksheet to walk you through the process of identifying your specific needs. Additional advice can be found at RVs.com. If you’re thinking of full-time RV living, check out RV-Dreams.com — which has some great budget and financial tracking resources — and TheFunTimesGuide.com. The latter site also offers a good discussionregarding the choice between a trailer and a motorhome.

Going to RV shows is another great idea. You can climb aboard as many different models as you like, and dealer and manufacturer representatives will be on hand to answer questions. Check out show listings through the RV Buyers Guide, the RV Industry Association and GoRVing.com.

]]>http://blog.allstate.com/road-trip-tip-choose-rv-thats-right/feed/0Off the Beaten Path: Unique Southwestern Road Tripshttp://blog.allstate.com/unique-southwestern-road-trips/
http://blog.allstate.com/unique-southwestern-road-trips/#commentsThu, 08 May 2014 11:00:25 +0000http://blog.allstate.com/?post_type=local&p=7982With the end of the school year looming, it’s time to start planning some summer fun! As a Las Vegan, you may be ready to venture away from The Strip, and you’ve probably already checked out the Hoover Dam and even the Grand Canyon. So, where can you go for an interesting trip, without having […]

]]>With the end of the school year looming, it’s time to start planning some summer fun! As a Las Vegan, you may be ready to venture away from The Strip, and you’ve probably already checked out the Hoover Dam and even the Grand Canyon. So, where can you go for an interesting trip, without having to hop a plane?

If you’re looking for new ideas for Southwestern road trips, look no further. From an 80,000-year-old volcanic crater to a “ghost town” that hosts 300-plus residents and a quirky castle, lots of road trips can lead you to unique destinations. Las Vegas Weekly rounded up a list of interesting destinations, including the spectacularly colored Fly Geyser in the Black Rock Desert; the Lyon County Museum, which displays an array of intricate objects made from human hair; and the wonders of the marble Lehman Caves at Great Basin National Park.

]]>http://blog.allstate.com/unique-southwestern-road-trips/feed/0Colorado Springs Road Trip Ideashttp://blog.allstate.com/colorado-springs-road-trips/
http://blog.allstate.com/colorado-springs-road-trips/#commentsThu, 17 Apr 2014 14:12:36 +0000http://blog.allstate.com/?post_type=local&p=7868Colorado Springs has drawn visitors since Colorado’s epic Gold Rush began in 1859, when the sentiment “Pikes Peak or Bust” quickly swept the nation. Regardless of the mines’ booms and busts, Americans’ passion for the region never truly died down; in fact, when English professor Kathleen Lee Bates visited the area in 1893, she was […]

]]>Colorado Springs has drawn visitors since Colorado’s epic Gold Rush began in 1859, when the sentiment “Pikes Peak or Bust” quickly swept the nation. Regardless of the mines’ booms and busts, Americans’ passion for the region never truly died down; in fact, when English professor Kathleen Lee Bates visited the area in 1893, she was so moved by the views from Pikes Peak’s 14,117-foot summit, she penned “America the Beautiful” and forever immortalized Colorado’s purple mountain majesties.

Today, the city of Colorado Springs continues attract attention, earning the No. 1 spot on Outside magazine’s 2009 list of America’s Best Cities. And, thanks to its location just 68 miles south of downtown Denver, the city doesn’t just draw out-of-state tourists. Plenty of Coloradans who live in the Denver-Boulder metro area undertake the short road trip to enjoy their southern neighbor’s startling array of attractions. Here are just a few:

9 Sights to See in and Near Colorado Springs

The Broadmoor. It may be the longest-running consecutive winner of the Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Awards, but you don’t need to be a guest to experience this stunning 1918 resort hotel, which has been called the “Grand Dame of the Rockies.” Your options include pampering at the day spa; a memorable meal in the Penrose Room, the only Five-Star, Five Diamond restaurant in Colorado; 54 holes of championship golf; a selection of world-class retail shops; and a classic English high tea from 3-4 p.m. each Saturday in the West Tower Lobby.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Located at 6,800 feet, this zoo has one of the largest giraffe herds in the world. The 146-acre zoo houses more than 800 animals representing more than 200 species. It also boasts the chairlift-style Mountaineer Sky Ride, the “My Big Backyard” petting zoo, an historic carousel that appeared at the 1932 World’s Fair, the Shongololo Choo Choo miniature train, pony rides, giraffe feeding and much more.

Cave of the Winds. Discovered in 1869, this cave near Manitou Springs has been open to tourists since 1881; that makes it one of Colorado’s first major tourist attractions. Electricity was added in 1907, but you still can appreciate millions of years of cave development on the available tours. There’s a family-friendly Discovery Tour and a Lantern Tour that goes deeper into the cave system, lit only by hand-held lanterns.

Cripple Creek. Just 44 miles southwest of Colorado Springs lies the former gold mining camp of Cripple Creek. The Cripple Creek Historic District was home to the last Colorado Gold Rush, which kicked off in 1890, and then in 1961, it earned National Historic Landmark status. In addition to an array of museums, heritage centers and historic buildings, visitors also may take a ride on the Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad, tour the celebrated Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, see a performance at the Butte Opera House or the Gold Bar Room Theater, and view the famous donkey herd. Several of the donkeys are believed to be direct descendants of the prized animals that worked in the mines.

Garden of the Gods. This National Natural Landmark and public park, with its unique red rock formations, has become synonymous with Colorado Springs. It attracts more than 2 million visitors each year, and its most popular activities include hiking, technical rock climbing, road and mountain biking, and horseback riding. It features more than 15 miles of trails, including a 1.5-mile trail that’s paved and wheelchair accessible. Make sure to stop at the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center to view the various exhibits and the short film that explains the park’s rock formations.

Manitou Springs. Situated in a box canyon between Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak, the town of Manitou Springs was incorporated in 1876, and its name was inspired by Longfellow’s “Song of Hiawatha.” It remains a beloved favorite of Coloradans due to its charming historic district and its collection of effervescent natural springs. Take a walking tour of nine mineral springs sites, browse the art galleries and shops, and climb the famous Manitou Incline — if you dare. That’s 2,000 feet straight up.

Pikes Peak Cog Railway. Sure, you could drive to the top of Pikes Peak with your car, but why do that when you could take the train? Since 1891, the Manitou & Pikes Peak Railway has carried tourists to the top of what might be Colorado’s most famous “fourteener” (a mountain that stands 14,000 feet or more above sea level). The last three miles are all above timberline, and you have roughly 30 to 40 minutes at the summit to savor the views and the Summit House’s famous doughnuts.

Santa’s Workshop / North Pole. If you have children with you, you’ll want to make sure to visit the North Pole. From May 17 through Christmas Eve this year, the Santa’s Workshop amusement park will once again open its doors to the public. Here, you’ll find more than 25 rides, magic shows, a 1919 Band Organ, a variety of gift shops, plenty of merry Christmas music and even an ice-covered North Pole. This full-day experience will be fun for all ages.

U.S. Olympic Complex. This facility is the flagship training center for the U.S. Olympic Committee and the Olympic Training Center programs, and it’s the national headquarters for USA Swimming and USA Shooting. The $8 million Olympic Visitor Center welcomes roughly 140,000 visitors per year; you’ll see the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame Rotunda, the U.S. Olympic Store (featuring gifts for the folks back home), rotating art exhibitions, interactive kiosks, the Carol Grotnes Belk Sculpture Garden, the Irwin Belk Olympic Path and a stunning rooftop terrace. Make sure to take a tour.

Some Less Well-Known Attractions

Colorado Wolf & Wildlife Center. This educational facility provides appropriate care and habitat for wolves, coyotes and foxes (including Mexican grey wolves and swift foxes) that can no longer live in the wild. One of the few U.S. sanctuaries that has been certified by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the center provides one-hour standard tours and feeding tours for guests. It also offers wolf and fox photo sessions, special tours at the full moon, and a hands-on “Ultimate Alpha Experience,” all of which are limited to guests of certain ages.

Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center. Located in nearby Woodland Park, this privately owned museum features displays of dinosaurs, prehistoric marine reptiles, pterosaurs and fish species from North America’s late Cretaceous period. You’ll view more than 30 fossil skeletons and life-size sculptures, supplemented with graphics displays. Especially cool: You’ll also see a working lab, where scientists are working on fossil preparation, restoration, molding, casting and mounting. Be prepared if you’ve brought the kids: The Dinosaur Resource Center also boasts the area’s largest dinosaur gift shop.

We couldn’t possibly put together a comprehensive list of all of Colorado Springs’ attractions here, because there is quite simply so much to see and do in the area. So we’ve highlighted a few of our favorites; to learn more about Colorado Springs and its nearby attractions, visit the Colorado Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau.

]]>http://blog.allstate.com/colorado-springs-road-trips/feed/0Keep the Kids Occupied on Spring Break Road Tripshttp://blog.allstate.com/keep-the-kids-occupied-on-spring-break-road-trips/
http://blog.allstate.com/keep-the-kids-occupied-on-spring-break-road-trips/#commentsThu, 13 Mar 2014 11:00:09 +0000http://blog.allstate.com/?p=7615Dreading that long road trip to your spring break destination? Don’t wait for the fun to begin at the end of your journey. Get it started on the way there and keep the choruses of, “Are we there yet?” to a minimum with these boredom-busting ideas for the whole family: Go Old-School Remember “I Spy,” […]

]]>Dreading that long road trip to your spring break destination? Don’t wait for the fun to begin at the end of your journey. Get it started on the way there and keep the choruses of, “Are we there yet?” to a minimum with these boredom-busting ideas for the whole family:

Go Old-School

Remember “I Spy,” “20 Questions,” “The License Plate Game,” “The Alphabet Game” and “Name That Tune?” Turn off the technology and revisit these classic car games you may have played as a child with your kids. Need a refresher? Go here for instructions on how to play the top 10 road trip games.

Tell Stories

Have the kids pick out interesting vehicles or drivers on the road and make up stories about where they are going. Or, try team storytelling: Each person in the car makes up a line of a story until you run out of ideas. You can even write down the tale as you go and have the kids draw pictures to create your own custom-made family story.

Get App-y

This one’s the opposite of going old-school: Take full advantage of technology with popular road trip game apps like these:

Road Trip Scavenger Hunt: With components of “I Spy” and “The License Plate Game,” this app gives your kids items to try to spot as they look out the windows — like a car pulling a trailer — and keeps track of the points earned by each player. 99 cents for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad versions, and free for Android-powered devices

Bingo Apps: There are several versions of this “I Spy”-like app out there, but most of them work the same way: The app features a bingo game board, but instead of letters and numbers, it features icons of items you might see near the road, such as cows, light poles and gas pumps. As in “Bingo,” the first one to fill a row or column wins. Prices for apps vary; available for iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad and Android-powered devices

Family Car Games: This app instructs you in 100 no-equipment-required family activities for some unplugged quality time. $1.99; available for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad

Mad Libs: Much like the paper original, this app lets you select from a variety of categories and insert words into stories when prompted. Free for iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad and Android-powered devices

Take a Detour

There are so many interesting and fun attractions on the road that it might be worth a little extra driving to stop and see something unlike anything you’ve seen before. If you’re looking for the unusual, websites like RoadsideAmerica.com can help you find unusual side destinations like the World’s Largest Frying Pan in Rose Hill, N.C., the Retired Sad Monkey Railroad in Canyon, Texas, and the Giant Beethoven Head in Fort Myers, Fla.

Document It

Take along a journal for your family to write notes, draw pictures and capture memories of your trip. Give your kids disposable cameras to snap some shots of whatever catches their eye. This strategy not only keeps everyone occupied, looking for photogenic roadside scenery; at the end of your trip, you can put it all together to create a unique family memento of your trip.

To make sure there’s no unexpected break in your spring break road trip, you may want to look into roadside services. Click here for more information.

]]>http://blog.allstate.com/keep-the-kids-occupied-on-spring-break-road-trips/feed/0Spring Break Staycations for Denver Residentshttp://blog.allstate.com/denver-spring-break-staycations/
http://blog.allstate.com/denver-spring-break-staycations/#commentsThu, 13 Mar 2014 11:00:00 +0000http://blog.allstate.com/?post_type=local&p=7618All you have to do is look at the guidebooks: Colorado is overflowing with great vacation destinations for every occasion, every age, every interest and every time of year. And with spring break rapidly approaching, families are considering their options. Of course, there are the ski resorts, which will be booming due to this season’s […]

]]>All you have to do is look at the guidebooks: Colorado is overflowing with great vacation destinations for every occasion, every age, every interest and every time of year. And with spring break rapidly approaching, families are considering their options.

Of course, there are the ski resorts, which will be booming due to this season’s fantastic snowfall, and spring skiing is legendary here. Many Coloradans, however, would prefer staying close to home during this peak holiday time, enjoying Denver spring break staycations instead.

But… if you’re looking for something to do that doesn’t involve hitting the slopes, is it possible to enjoy a Denver spring break staycation without sacrificing the spirit of fun and adventure?

The answer is a resounding yes. Colorado is more than an outstanding vacation destination. It’s an unparalleled “staycation” state, as well. What can you find within an hour’s drive of metro Denver? As it turns out, a whole lot.

In the Big City

To start, you may not want to leave the Denver metro area at all. The number of options with special spring-break programs might surprise you. A few to check out:

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science offers activities for kids with its two weeks of Spring Break Science Camps, which include IMAX and Planetarium shows.

The Denver Botanic Gardens also have a spring break camp for kids called Green Thumbs that’s filled with garden explorations, games, activities, cooking and plants to take home.

The Denver Art Museum offers themed breaks that allow kiddos to make art in the galleries, work alongside artists and check out Family Backpacks from the Family Activity Cart. Kids ages 18 and under receive free general admission.

Then, there’s History Colorado, which has Spring Break Workshops. This year, the three workshops’ themes are miniature dioramas, astronauts and American Girl.

And finally, don’t miss the Downtown Aquarium. The facility has a list of helpful tips for those planning a spring break visit.

Warm, sunny days can happen during spring break, so you also might want to consider packing a picnic and spending the day in one of the city’s glorious parks, including Washington, City or Sloan’s Lake.

If you’re in downtown Boulder, take the time to sample high tea at the remarkable Boulder Dushanbe Tea House, which was built in Boulder’s sister city of Dushanbe, Tajikistan, disassembled and shipped as a gift to Boulder, where it was reassembled.

Or, if you’re out at Chautauqua, at the base of the Flatirons, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a meal at the 1898 Chautauqua Dining Hall.

Idaho Springs. If you’re willing to head west on Interstate 70, more adventures lie 33 miles from Denver in Idaho Springs and 46 miles from the city in Georgetown. In Idaho Springs, families can tour the historic Argo Gold Mine & Mill and play in the mineral hot springs pool at Indian Hot Springs. Children ages 5 and under get free admission at the springs!

Georgetown. Not only is Georgetown home to the famous Georgetown Loop Railroad, a must-do for history buffs and train lovers of all ages, it’s just 13 miles east of Loveland Ski Area, in case you want to hit the slopes. The 75-year-old Loveland isn’t a resort area, so it tends to be a beloved locals’ haunt — and it’s both cheaper and easier to access from Denver than the tony, west-of-the-Divide resorts.

There’s more to do within a stone’s throw of Denver, and we haven’t even touched the myriad highlights in the Colorado Springs area, which is roughly two hours south of Colorado’s capital. But, this should get you started, and you can work on a new bucket list for spring 2015. The great thing about Colorado, other than the mild spring weather and abundant sunshine, is that you never run out of options. There’s always more.